West Virginia Welcomes Record Number of Winter Tourists with Ski Resorts and Scenic Getaways, Here’s All You Need to Know

Published on December 18, 2025

With West Virginia near the close of 2025, it is on pace to see a record-breaking year in tourism, much of that coming from winter tourism. recently did his part to promote travelers visiting the Mountain State and enjoying the state’s many winter attractions from mountain resorts and state parks to festive light displays and hometown holiday events. Winter tourism promotes thousands of jobs, while making local communities stronger and bringing in huge amounts for the state’s economy.

Early Ski Season Opens with Excellent Conditions Across West Virginia

West Virginia’s ski resorts kicked off the season with a bang. Timberline Mountain opened on December 4, Snowshoe Mountain followed suit on December 5, and Winterplace Ski Resort welcomed skiers and snowboarders on December 6. These early openings are part of the state’s strategy to maximize the winter season’s economic impact, and all five of West Virginia’s ski resorts are now up and running, offering fantastic conditions across the state.

Timberline Mountain stands out with over 20 ski trails and a state-of-the-art six-person chairlift. Snowshoe Mountain offers more than 60 skiing and snowboarding routes and a wide range of other activities like snow tubing, horse-drawn carriage rides, and an entire village of shops and restaurants to explore. Meanwhile, Winterplace Ski Resort, with nearly 30 trails, two terrain parks, and the state’s longest snow tubing run, has been recognized by USA Today as the best place to learn how to ski and one of the top snow tubing destinations in the country.

The growing popularity of West Virginia’s ski resorts plays a key role in the state’s tourism success, attracting a broad range of tourists—from seasoned skiers to those looking to take their first ski lessons.

Record-Breaking Tourism in 2025

Tourism is clearly on the rise in West Virginia, with 2025 already shaping up to be a record-breaking year. Earlier this year, the state surpassed $9.1 billion in annual tourism economic impact, an impressive 28 percent increase over pre-pandemic levels. West Virginia welcomed 77.2 million visitors in 2024, who spent a total of $6.6 billion. This surge in tourism spending highlights the state’s growing reputation as a top destination for travelers.

The tourism industry in West Virginia also supports nearly 61,000 jobs and generated $1.1 billion in tax revenue in 2024. With the continued expansion of winter tourism, these figures are expected to rise even higher, benefiting both the local economy and communities across the state.

A Quintessential Holiday Experience Beyond the Slopes

While skiing and snowboarding are a major draw for tourists, West Virginia offers a wide variety of experiences beyond the slopes, making it the ideal winter destination for families and adventure seekers alike.

One of the highlights of the holiday season in West Virginia is the spectacular holiday light displays found across the state. These dazzling displays create a magical atmosphere that draws families from all over. The state is also home to several other winter attractions, including the Polar Express ride, a beloved family activity that allows children and adults to experience the holiday magic while traveling through the scenic West Virginia countryside.

For those who enjoy a more relaxed winter experience, the White Grass Ski Touring Center provides serene opportunities for cross-country skiing along beautiful, snow-covered trails. Adventure seekers can enjoy tubing at Snow Riders in Harpers Ferry or venture off-road on the famous Hatfield-McCoy Trails, known for their rugged terrain and scenic beauty. West Virginia’s frozen waterfalls in state parks offer another unique winter adventure, providing visitors with the chance to explore stunning, icy landscapes.

For a truly thrilling experience, the Blackwater Falls Sled Run, the East Coast’s longest sled run, will open on December 18, offering visitors the chance to race down the mountainside on a traditional wooden sled—a must-try for winter thrill-seekers.

Winter Travel Deals: Discounts and Savings for Tourists

In addition to its exceptional winter offerings, West Virginia is making it easier for travelers to plan their winter getaway. The state is offering a special promotion that allows guests to save 15 percent on stays of two nights or more at state lodges and cabins. The discount, available with the code “JOLLY,” is an excellent opportunity for families and winter vacationers to enjoy an affordable getaway amidst the natural beauty of the Mountain State.

However, the offer excludes stays at Stonewall Resort State Park and Blackwater Falls State Park. Still, with the wide variety of accommodations available across the state, there are plenty of options for tourists to enjoy a winter retreat in Almost Heaven, West Virginia.

The Impact of Winter Tourism on Local Communities

Governor Morrisey’s call to “shop local” reflects the broader economic impact that tourism has on the communities of West Virginia. Winter tourism, particularly at the state’s resorts, has provided crucial support for small businesses and created numerous jobs in hospitality, retail, and other service industries. The influx of visitors during the winter season helps strengthen local economies by boosting demand for goods, services, and accommodations.

The state’s diverse tourism offerings also provide opportunities for visitors to connect with the unique culture and history of West Virginia. From visiting charming mountain towns to enjoying locally sourced food and crafts, tourists can experience the warmth and hospitality of the Mountain State during the winter months.

West Virginia’s Winter Tourism Boom

Thanks to its world-class ski resorts, one-of-a-kind winter activities, and breathtaking holiday experiences, West Virginia has quickly carved a niche for itself as one of the preeminent winter destinations in the United States of America. The tourist sector in the state’s economy is thriving, and the expected record-breaking tourist numbers during the current winter season confirm that the winter tourist sector is a major engine behind the economic development of the state.